The payment platform now allows users to pay for SkyBus as well as multiple other goods and services quickly and easily using their smartphones. Alipay paypoints will be available for passengers to use from ticket counters at both Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Airport.

Speaking on the new payment service SkyBus director Michael Sewards says, "The Chinese tourism market here in Melbourne is growing month by month and we at SkyBus want to make it even easier for visitors when they need to get to or from the airport.

"Alipay is secure, fast and efficient. With thousands of restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and more on board we feel it is essential to be a part of that lifestyle to make journeys as flawless as possible for our passengers with safe, secure payment options," Sewards added.

According to Tourism Victoria, Melbourne is the most popular destination in Australia for Chinese tourists who spent $2.3 billion in the year ending September 2016, and hold a 33 per cent share of international expenditure in Victoria. This figure is more than the next six top-spending markets combined.

All customers can now pay for their SkyBus tickets through Alipay at SkyBus ticket booths located at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross station.